Social Media: Are You Worth Following?

Social media; it’s where we turn to build relationships, follow our favorite brands, and talk about our favorite things…oh, and watch funny cat videos. With all the content that is readily available from our friends, influencers, and brands, there can be a lot of content to sift through. Some of it is boring, some of it is obsolete, some can be offensive, and some goes viral. While no one can predict going viral, where do you fit in the picture of the social media scheme of things? Are you boring? Are you an influencer? Where do you fit in? These are all questions you should be asking yourself if you want to take your social media presence to the next level.

Not everyone uses social media to build their personal brand, though most people should. Your personal brand is what you’re all about: what type of content do you create and share, having the same profile picture/header across all your social media platforms, what your “expertise” is, and how you interact with others. Personal branding is important, because whether you like it or not, you are a brand. Do you like what it says?

If you don’t like your personal brand or are unsure on how to build one, fear not, it’s never to late to turn things around. First step: think about how you want to be seen on social media. Now that you have that starting point, choose a picture or logo that encompasses how you want to be seen, be it a headshot, logo, meme, or picture of you riding. Do your best to use that image across all platforms that are associated with your name or social media handle. Now, go forth and share. Create content, share others content, and talk about the things that interest you. Social media was made to be social.

Every time you post on social media you’re conveying a message, make sure it is powerful. While it can easy to fall into the rut of talking to yourself on social media and doing it for yourself, remember you’re creating content for the world to see. Would you want to read what you’re saying? Let creativity be your guide and produce the types of content that you would want to see. Wish there were funnier memes? Make them! Do you want to talk about the differences between protective boots or polo wraps? Strike up a conversation! Cheesy quotes all over Pinterest suggest you be the change you want to see in the world, well, that applies to social media as well. Post on your social media platforms, write blogs, host Twitter chats, strike up a conversation, share some of your favorite pictures. Be social! Be unique! The worst thing you can do on social media is be ordinary. Without engaging content you’re dead in the water before your journey to becoming a social media rockstar could even begin.
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Now, this doesn’t mean be funny if you aren’t funny or stealing jokes off Tumblr to share on your own social media in the hopes that no one will notice. Not every social media account has to be funny to be popular, but they do have to be genuine. Embrace what you’re passionate about, share your stories, and make new friends. It might take time, but when you build relationships on social media you’ll inevitably build a following that will continue to grow over time.

Ultimately, building a growing social media presence and making a name for yourself as an influencer comes down to if you’re worth following. In this day and age of social media overload, not everyone is worth following. Every day I typically unfollow more people than I follow. When it comes to social media, it can be easy for people to get caught up in drama, being a bully, and talking at their followers rather than talking to them. The best social media accounts don’t tell you what they’re all about, they show you. Do you tell or do you show?

When building your brand, let your personality shine through. Be unique, be creative, have conversations, and show rather than tell. If you wouldn’t want to follow you, chances are no one else will either.